DUBAI // World Cup fever is clearly starting to take a grip for Afghanistan.
The cricket team of former refugees will make their debut on the sport’s biggest stage in Australia and New Zealand next month, and the evidence suggests their supporters cannot wait.
After a taxing series against the UAE at the end of 2014, which they lost 3-1, the Afghans returned to winning ways against Scotland at the ICC Academy yesterday.
Despite this being a workday, the small grassed area at the northern corner of the ground, which has become informally known as “Kabul Corner”, was packed. There was also a broadcaster from a radio station based in Khost, broadcasting the match. The listeners back home had much to cheer.
The Afghans dominated from the moment the sides took the field after the start was delayed by the morning fog.
Andy Moles, the Englishman who coaches Afghanistan, said the eight-wicket win lifted spirits after a tricky time for the team.
After the series loss to the UAE, the Afghan board had a total overhaul, which was a potentially unsettling run of events so close to the World Cup.
“There’s been a lot of changes since the last series, with a new board, chairman and CEO,” said Moles, who also coached Scotland in the past.
“[But] the last four days of preparation has been excellent and that was transferred directly into the game.
“The batting was wonderful today. We were aggressive, quick between the wickets and we hit boundaries.”
Dawlat Zadran, the seasoned pace bowler, took three wickets as Afghanistan restricted the Scots to 237, before Javed Ahmadi paved the way to victory with the bat.
“It was a good toss to win and I thought we dug in well at the top of the order to build a platform to get to a good score,” said Preston Mommsen, Scotland’s captain.
“Unfortunately, the wicket did play a lot better in the second innings and we struggled to adapt to the way they approached their batting.
“We haven’t played competitively for a while now, and I think that showed in the way we bowled, but we will take a lot from this game and come back stronger.”
While the match was going on, Ireland – the third side in the triangular one-day series – had a lengthy practice session on the neighbouring oval at the ICC Academy.
Ireland will face the UAE in their second World Cup pool match in Brisbane next month.
The Irish have already received a significant injury blow before the competitive action on their tour of the UAE has even begun.
Tim Murtagh, their leading seam bowler, injured a foot during Wednesday practice. He has flown back to the UK for further medical assessment.
pradley@thenational.ae
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